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After a recent incident at Paris’ renowned Louvre museum, two protestors may evade legal prosecution following their act of hurling soup at Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic Mona Lisa. On Monday, January 29, authorities disclosed that instead of facing trial, the duo might be instructed to contribute a financial donation.
The provocative act of throwing soup at the Mona Lisa in the Louvre museum occurred on Sunday, January 28, when the individuals flung pumpkin soup at the masterpiece, which is safeguarded by bullet-proof glass. Their demand was centered around the right to access “healthy and sustainable food.” The act was claimed by Riposte Alimentaire, translated as “Food Counterattack,” a group advocating for these issues.
Following the incident, the activists were apprehended and briefly detained by the police. The Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office revealed that the charges against them pertained to unauthorized entry into the painting’s secure perimeter, an offense that could result in a fine of up to 1,500 euros.
The prosecutor’s office further stated that the activists were scheduled for a meeting on Monday 29, in the afternoon, to discuss the possibility of making a “citizen’s contribution.” This approach, prevalent in the French legal system, offers an alternative to traditional prosecution, allowing offenders to make a donation to a victim’s association. The amount, determined by the prosecutors, can reach up to 3,000 euros.
Fortunately, the Louvre confirmed that da Vinci’s renowned painting remained unscathed, noting that the women had concealed the pumpkin soup inside a thermos flask. It’s noteworthy that the Mona Lisa, shielded by bulletproof glass since 2005, has been the target of similar attacks in the past, including an incident in 2022 involving a cream pie.
With AFP.
